Acne patients were included in this randomized controlled trial. Each patient received four treatment sessions two weeks apart. 20% azelaic acid combined with 20% salicylic acid were applied to the one side of the face while 25% trichloroacetic acid was applied to the other side. Evaluation was done by counting number of non-inflammatory and inflammatory lesions before, after two and after four treatment sessions. The dermoscope was used in evaluating the degree of improvement of erythema.